Bangladesh for boosting ties with India

Dhaka, Feb 18 (UNI) Bangladesh today said it wants to boost relations with India for the mutual benefit of the two neighbouring countries.

"Let me say unequivocally that this caretaker government wishes to place Bangladesh's relations with India on a firm footing so that future governments of both countries can build on the progress we make,' Foreign Affairs Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury told the media on the eve of Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's one-day visit to Dhaka.

He said " We are looking forward to our meeting and talks with Mr Pranab Mukherjee...We sincerely believe that this can only be to our mutual benefit." Mr Mukherjee will arrive here tomorrow to invite the leadership of Bangladesh to attend the 14th SAARC summit to be held in New Delhi on April 3-4.

He will hand over a formal invitation letter from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban.

He will also call on Chief Advisor of the interim caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, who is expected to lead the Bangladesh delegation to the SAARC summit.

During his stay in Dhaka, the Indian Minister will meet former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia and former opposition leader and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

UNI